With 11 people having lost their lives on the counties’ roads in December 2012, investigations are ongoing to establish the causes of these collisions and files are being prepared for the Coroners.

Chief Insp Chris Spinks, head of Roads Policing in Norfolk and Suffolk, said: “December should be a time of joy and celebration, but it has turned into a time of sadness for the families and friends of those who have died and I would like to offer my sympathies to them.

“We do not want to end 2012 with another road death or serious injury, nor start the new year with one, so I would urge everyone who is using the roads tonight and over the coming few days to take extra care and stay alert and focused whilst driving.”

The joint drink drive campaign is continuing tonight and tomorrow, Tuesday, January 1, with officers stopping any driver who causes them concern, whether it be as a result of their manner of driving or because their car has a defect. They will then carry out a breath test as appropriate. All drivers involved in collisions will also be tested.

Ch Insp Spinks added: “Since December 1, 199 drivers have been arrested on suspicion of drink driving or related offences across both counties. Those found guilty or pleading guilty at court will receive as a minimum a fine and a driving ban. A number of those charged so far have been teenagers, and the drink drive conviction they could receive would affect their job prospects for the rest of their lives.”

Wind and heavy rain is expected for the remainder of 2012, although the weather is set to improve into 2013. But Ch Insp Spinks says drivers should not be complacent.

He added: “It is imperative to concentrate at all times on your driving, and not to be distracted by the anticipation of where you are going and who you will be seeing. We often find that people drive carefully when the conditions are more challenging, but then don’t pay as much attention during the journeys they make more frequently when conditions are improved.”

Norfolk and Suffolk Constabularies will continue to work with their partners as part of Think! Norfolk and Suffolk Road Safe campaigns in 2013 to continue to reduce the numbers of people killed or seriously injured in collisions on both counties’ roads.